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The Dos and Don'ts of getting a port

I'm a dork. I admit it. I love my mage and I love making portals for people, even non-tippers. In fact, you have to work pretty hard not to get a port from me. Which is why, even after decades of dealing with anonymous jerks in BBS chat rooms and on the internet, I was a little shocked at how rude a level 62 Tauren Shaman who shall remain nameless was when demanding a port from me. Maybe he just didn't know any better. So here is a little guide as to how to increase your chances of getting a port from a mage you don't know.

Don't just invite to a group without saying anythingIn general, this is a bad idea for anything. You should always send a tell to the person you want to join your group for any reason before inviting.

Do make it a requestCaptain Obvious is snickering in the background, but demanding anything from a stranger is not likely to get you what you want.

Do say pleaseYou can even say PLZ if you want, though that may not work with people for whom that is a pet peeve.

Do get your levels rightA level 60 mage cannot port you to Shattrath City, for example. They can't train that Portal Spell until level 65. Mages can port you to Stonard at 35 (if they went there to get the spell) and the major cities in the old world (except Darnassus and Thunder Bluff) at 40. They get the more out of the way city at 50. And if you want to get ported to Dalaran, ask a mage who is level 74 or higher.

Do offer to payPortals are not free. They require a reagent that the mage must purchase and keep on hand. Since they cost 20 silver a piece, you should offer at least that much as payment.

Don't make the mage come to youGo to where the mage is or ask where is convenient to meet.

Don't get belligerentEven if you do everything right, the mage may not want to port you. Mages don't owe you a port just because they can do it. Just try to find another mage or get to your destination on your own. You certainly aren't going to convince the mage to port you by being angry.

The Spousal Unit later saw Mr. Rudeguywhocan'tspellchief in Orgrimmar about an hour after I refused to port him. I don't know if he found a willing mage or if he made his way from Thrallmar himself. I wish I had asked him if being that rude ever works for him.